5 pimple quick fixes you need to know

Pimples are the worst. Period. But you know what’s even worse? A pimple popping up just a day before a first date or a big event! Pimples seem to have a mind of their own, so even if you follow your skincare routine to a T, you never know when one will show up on your face. If you ever find yourself with a pimple that reared its ugly head when you hoped to death it wouldn’t, use these quick fixes.

IceIce can help reduce redness and inflammation, and also shrink the size of the pimple. To use, wrap an ice cube in a thin cloth and rub on the pimple gently. Keep at it for a minute, remove, wait for 5 minutes before repeating a second time. Don’t repeat more than a couple of times each session, but do ice your pimple 2-3 times a day for quicker healing.

ToothpasteYou’ll need to use basic white toothpaste for this pimple hack to work. All you have to do is dab a little toothpaste onto the pimple before getting into bed and allow it to work its magic overnight. The toothpaste will help dry out the pus, making the pimple shrink in size. Go through with your normal skincare routine in the morning.

Lemon juiceThe citric acid in lemon juice has a drying effect which can reduce oil or sebum and shrink the size of pimples. Lemon juice also has antiseptic qualities and can reduce inflammation and redness. Just apply a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice onto pimples and leave on for as long as you can. If it irritates your skin, rinse with water. If your skin isn’t too sensitive, you can leave the juice on overnight and rinse your face in the morning.

HoneyThis natural antiseptic reduces inflammation by drawing out excess fluid from the pimple. Dab on a bit and cover with a bandage before going to bed. Remove the bandage and rinse with water in the morning. You can also use a paste of honey and cinnamon powder or a mix of honey and lemon juice on pimples in the same manner.

SandalwoodSandalwood has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, and acts as an astringent, helping tighten skin pores. Take enough sandalwood powder and milk to make a paste. Add a bit of camphor to it, mix, and apply to pimples. Leave on overnight. You can also mix sandalwood powder with rose water to create a cooling face mask. Dab onto pimples and rinse with water after 10-15 minutes.